Mercersburg connectivity trail to receive assistance grant

The National Park Service announced this week the Montgomery Peters Mercersburg Connectivity (MPMC) has been selected to receive assistance from the NPS Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance (RTCA) Program.

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Waynesboro Record Herald - Waynesboro, PA

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Posted Jan. 19, 2013 at 8:30 AM

Posted Jan. 19, 2013 at 8:30 AM

The National Park Service announced this week the Montgomery Peters Mercersburg Connectivity (MPMC) has been selected to receive assistance from the NPS Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance (RTCA) Program.

The project "Action Strategies and Trails for MPMC" is one of only two projects accepted in Pennsylvania and will advance MPMC from the feasibility study to implementation.

Protect natural heritage

This project will help to further the goals of the Americas Great Outdoors (AGO) initiative. AGO takes as its premise that lasting conservation solutions should rise from the American people — that the protection of our natural heritage is a non-partisan objective shared by all Americans, and that collaboration between the public and private sectors; state, and local governments; and between local communities and the federal government will help citizens realize the wide-ranging benefits of a revitalized connection to the outdoors.

MPMC is leading a tri-municipality effort to create a seamless network of safe and scenic on- and off-road trails.

The goal is to promote active lifestyles by enabling individuals to walk or cycle on their daily errands, to work, to school and to our parks and historic areas.

Feasibility study

During the past year, MPMC and community members have worked with Campbell, Thomas and Co. to complete a feasibility study for the network. The support from the National Park Service RTCA program will provide technical planning assistance focusing on an action strategy for the trails network and initial trail implementation. Wink Hastings will be the RTCA project manager and brings additional experience in community outreach and involvement, as well as organizational capacity building.

RTCA will provide planning assistance for the current Johnston Run Revitalization initiative. MPMC's feasibility study recommended consideration of a trail and park alongside Johnston Run. Initial steps have begun on this with a Waterway Assessment to look at water quality and stream bank stability. The long-term goal is to work in collaboration with local municipalities to restore Johnston Run as a "Living Waterway," inspiring our local communities to be stewards of our natural habitats and becoming a model for other communities.

The Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program is the community assistance arm of the National Park Service. Through RTCA, Park Service staff provide technical assistance to help communities and neighborhoods develop new trails and greenways, conserve rivers and protect and manage open space. These projects are locally-led with RTCA staff supporting community based conservation and recreation leaders.